February 5, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters
DUBAI / WASHINGTON — The United States government has confirmed that it will hold nuclear negotiations with Iran in Oman on Friday, as both nations seek to reopen dialogue over Tehran’s nuclear programme amid lingering regional tensions.
A White House official said on Thursday that Washington will participate in the high-level discussions in Muscat, responding to a request from Iranian officials and regional partners to keep the diplomatic process moving forward.
The meeting’s announcement follows earlier indications that planned talks in Turkey were at risk of collapsing due to disagreements over venue and format, with Iran advocating for a more restricted agenda focused solely on its nuclear file. The latest confirmations indicated the meeting would take place instead in Oman with participation limited to the United States and Iran.
Growing international pressure encouraged both sides not to abandon the dialogue despite significant scepticism among U.S. officials about the prospects of a breakthrough. A senior U.S. government source described the White House as “very sceptical” about early success in the discussions but willing to proceed out of respect for regional partners and diplomatic process.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have been elevated in recent weeks, especially after comments by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting that force could be used against Iran in response to last month’s internal unrest and government crackdown on protests. Trump has also repeatedly pressed for a negotiated deal to limit Iran’s nuclear activities.
From Tehran, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signalled support for the negotiations, instructing Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to pursue “fair and equitable negotiations” with the United States a notable public endorsement by the Iranian leadership that suggests Tehran is prepared to engage, at least formally. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who traditionally has had final authority on foreign policy matters, appears to have given the directive broader backing.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States hopes the talks can cover not only the nuclear dossier but also wider concerns, including Iran’s ballistic missile programme, support for proxy groups in the region, and human rights issues. Rubio described these as “core elements” of U.S. interests in the talks.
The Oman-hosted negotiations come at a time of shifting regional dynamics, with Gulf Arab states and other partners encouraging both sides to avoid further escalation and explore diplomatic avenues that could reduce friction over nuclear activities and broader security issues. Analysts say even if the talks do not yield immediate results, they represent a renewed attempt to sustain formal communication between the United States and Iran after years of strained relations.